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{{AFC submission|d|v|u=Emmacedmonds|ns=118|decliner=AngusWOOF|declinets=20230324223618|reason2=essay|ts=20230324183623}} <!-- Do not remove this line! --> |
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| ⚫ | '''Automated Flagger Assistance Device''' ('''AFAD''') is a specialized piece of safety equipment used in the [[Traffic control|traffic control industry]] on [[Work zone|roadway work zones.]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=July 2012 |title=Guidance On The Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices |url=https://www.atssa.com/Portals/0/WZGrant/GuidanceUseAutomatedFlaggerAssistanceDevices.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428221933/https://atssa.com/Portals/0/WZGrant/GuidanceUseAutomatedFlaggerAssistanceDevices.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) |language=en }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-13 |title=AFADs: What is an Automated Flagging Assistance Device - Site 20/20 |url=https://site2020.com/what-is-an-afad/,%20https://site2020.com/what-is-an-afad/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=site2020.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Henry |date=February 2018 |title=Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices |url=https://sicop.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2019/11/TMA-Flagger-University-Study.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222103806/https://sicop.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2019/11/TMA-Flagger-University-Study.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) |page=71 |language=en }}</ref> AFADs were designed as an [[Innovation|innovative]] solution to the dangers of traditional [[traffic control]], aiming to increase the safely and efficiency of work zones.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Why Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD) are Here to Stay {{!}} TranBC |url=https://www.tranbc.ca/2022/08/26/why-automated-flagger-assistance-devices-afad-are-here-to-stay/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1"/> AFADs operate daily, [[short-term lane closure]] work zones and can work on a variety of job types including stationary jobs, intersections, mobile utility jobs, road construction jobs, among others.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=FHWA - MUTCD - 2003 Edition Revision 1 AFAD Technical Provisions Revised 1/27/2005 |url=https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003r1/afad/afad_tech012705.htm |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov}}</ref> The [https://site2020.com/products/automated-flagger-assistance-device-afad/ Guardian SmartFlagger] specifically, has been designed to [https://site2020.com/app/uploads/2022/03/Guardian-SmartFlagger-may-30-3-2.pdf work on 99% of jobsites] with its compact design, 60 hour battery life, and 80 hours of recording. AFADs are intended to allow a single worker to control the job site off the road and out of direct [[traffic flow]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Optimizing Performance Mobility & Safety—Making Work Zones Work Better: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices - FHWA Office of Operations |url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop17042/index.htm |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=ops.fhwa.dot.gov}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Virginia Work Area Protection Manual |url=https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/business/resources/traffic_engineering/workzone/wapm/2011_WAPM_REV_2_1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711134348/http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/business/resources/traffic_engineering/workzone/wapm/2011_WAPM_REV_2_1.pdf |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=www.vdot.virginia.gov |language=en }}</ref> However, it is important to note that AFADs are not a replacement for traditional [[Traffic guard|traffic control flaggers]]. Due to widespread regulations against [[Automated|fully automated]] [[traffic control]], AFADs must be used in conjunction with human flaggers to ensure safe and effective [[traffic management]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> Improvements in AFAD technology has led to increased popularity in recent years.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title=More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. highways - Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal |url=https://www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com/news/more-automated-flagger-assistance-devices-coming-to-b-c-highways/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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{{AFC comment|1=May also want to explain that AFADs originated and are popularized in North America. If it has reached other continents, please provide references of that. [[User:AngusWOOF|<strong><span style="color: #606060;" class="nowrap">AngusW🐶🐶F</span></strong>]] ([[User talk:AngusWOOF#top|<span style=" color: #663300;">bark</span>]] • [[Special:Contributions/AngusWOOF|<span style="color: #006600;">sniff</span>]]) 00:11, 25 March 2023 (UTC)}} |
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{{AFC comment|1=This is a bit like an essay in its presentation. It should not be trying to persuade folks of the benefits of newer AFADs. I also had to rewrite SmartFlagger since that was pushing a particular product. Since AFADs have been around for a while, it should cover a broader use than what Site20/20 is promoting. [[User:AngusWOOF|<strong><span style="color: #606060;" class="nowrap">AngusW🐶🐶F</span></strong>]] ([[User talk:AngusWOOF#top|<span style=" color: #663300;">bark</span>]] • [[Special:Contributions/AngusWOOF|<span style="color: #006600;">sniff</span>]]) 22:36, 24 March 2023 (UTC)}} |
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{{Short description|Traffic Control Safety technology}} |
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{{Draft topics|software|technology}} |
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{{AfC topic|other}} |
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| ⚫ | '''Automated Flagger Assistance Device''' ('''AFAD''') is a specialized piece of safety equipment used in the [[Traffic control|traffic control industry]] on [[Work zone|roadway work zones.]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=July 2012 |title=Guidance On The Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices |url=https://www.atssa.com/Portals/0/WZGrant/GuidanceUseAutomatedFlaggerAssistanceDevices.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428221933/https://atssa.com/Portals/0/WZGrant/GuidanceUseAutomatedFlaggerAssistanceDevices.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=25 March 2023 |website=American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) |language=en |
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== History == |
== History == |
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AFADs were first introduced in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about the safety of [[Traffic guard|flaggers]] in roadwork zones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pratt |first=Stephanie |date=April 2001 |title=Building Safer Highway Work Zones |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-128/pdfs/2001-128.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215195705/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-128/pdfs/2001-128.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2017 |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health |language=en}}</ref> The initial models of AFADs were unreliable and prone to malfunctions, and were considered too bulky and difficult to maneuver, requiring multiple people and creating safety hazards on job sites. This led to criticism from some within the [[traffic control]] industry.<ref name=":1" /> However, the technology has improved over the years, and newer models are designed to be lighter, safer, and more efficient.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> |
AFADs were first introduced in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about the safety of [[Traffic guard|flaggers]] in roadwork zones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pratt |first=Stephanie |date=April 2001 |title=Building Safer Highway Work Zones |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-128/pdfs/2001-128.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215195705/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-128/pdfs/2001-128.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2017 |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health |language=en}}</ref> The initial models of AFADs were unreliable and prone to malfunctions, and were considered too bulky and difficult to maneuver, requiring multiple people and creating safety hazards on job sites. This led to criticism from some within the [[traffic control]] industry.<ref name=":1" /> However, the technology has improved over the years, and newer models are designed to be smaller, lighter, safer, and more efficient.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> |
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== Design == |
== Design == |
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[[File:Components of an AFAD 1.png|thumb|The components of an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)]] |
[[File:Components of an AFAD 1.png|thumb|The components of an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)]] |
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AFADs |
AFADs usually consist of [[high visibility sign]]age, 12 inch red signal heads, automated flags, and a remote control.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Fall 2017 |title=Automated Flagger Assistance Devices |url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop17042/fhwahop17042.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119151458/http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop17042/fhwahop17042.pdf |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=Federal Highway Administration, US Department Transportation. |language=en}}</ref> Due to their usage on daily, [[short-term lane closure]] job sites, AFADs have to be compact and portable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Government of Ontario |first=Ministry of Economic Development |title=Government of Ontario, Canada |url=https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=39427&language=en |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.ontariocanada.com}}</ref> While traditional AFADs are equipped with high visibility signage, 12-inch red signal heads, an automated gate arm, and a remote control,<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |first=<!--Not stated--> |date=10 December 2021 |title=Comment & responses Automated Flagger Assistance Device |url=https://tcp.mto.gov.on.ca/sites/default/files/2022-07/Comment%20%26%20responses%20Automated%20Flagger%20Assistance%20Device.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207150218/https://tcp.mto.gov.on.ca/sites/default/files/2022-07/Comment%20%26%20responses%20Automated%20Flagger%20Assistance%20Device.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-format=PDF |publisher=Ontario Government |language=en }}</ref> newer AFAD technologies, also come equipped with 360 degree cameras and a tablet interface.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) - Site 20/20 |url=https://site2020.com/products/guardian-smartflagger-afad/,%20https://site2020.com/products/guardian-smartflagger-afad/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=site2020.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Safety considerations == |
== Safety considerations == |
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[[File:AFAD Setup.png|thumb|Standard AFAD setup—Two-lane, two-way road]] |
[[File:AFAD Setup.png|thumb|Standard AFAD setup—Two-lane, two-way road]] |
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In |
In 2020, work zone fatalities hit a 16-year high in the United States, with an estimated 102,000 [[Traffic collision|work zone crashes]] resulting in over 45,000 injuries and 857 fatalities, representing a 45% increase in work zone fatalities between 2013 and 2020.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Work Zone Crashes, Injuries, & Fatalities - Facts & Data {{!}} Work Zone Barriers Guide |url=https://www.workzonebarriers.com/work-zone-crash-facts.html |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=www.workzonebarriers.com |language=en}}</ref> Economic costs of work zone crashes have been estimated at over $17.5 billion annually.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Saha |first=Promothes |title=International Conference on Transportation and Development 2020 |chapter=An Optimization Methodology to Improve Work Zone Safety within a Limited Budget in a Roadway Network |date=2020-08-31 |chapter-url=https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784483145.018 |language=en |location=Seattle, Washington (Conference Cancelled) |publisher=American Society of Civil Engineers |pages=204–211 |doi=10.1061/9780784483145.018 |isbn=978-0-7844-8314-5|s2cid=225342323 }}</ref> These statistics make safety in the [[traffic control]] industry of paramount importance.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> The AFAD has revolutionized [[traffic control]] safety by allowing the [[Traffic guard|traffic control person]] to work outside of the direct flow of traffic.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /> This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to both workers and drivers.<ref name=":0" /> An AFAD's high-visibility signage and red signal head is visible from a distance, ensuring that drivers are aware of the work zone and can slow down accordingly.<ref name=":2" /> The automated gate arm also provides an additional safety feature by stopping traffic in one direction while allowing traffic in the other direction to proceed.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger, are integrated with Google and Waze to [https://site2020.com/guardian-smartflagger-afad-saves-lives/ drive traffic away from the worksite] while the detachable Gate Arm in equipped with a 115 |
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A 2018 study at the [[University of Missouri-Columbia]] concluded that the use of AFADs could significantly improve work zone safety.<ref name=":3" /> A study by the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] concluded |
A 2018 study at the [[University of Missouri-Columbia]] concluded that the use of AFADs could significantly improve work zone safety.<ref name=":3" /> A study by the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] concluded that AFADs may enhance safety over the human flagger based on a reduced vehicle approach speed, farther full stop location, and lower intrusion rate.<ref name=":2" /> The same study concluded that the public had a favorable impression of the AFAD and generally preferred it over the human flagger.<ref name=":2" /> |
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== Development == |
== Development == |
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Modern AFADs allow operators to use a tablet to monitor and control traffic.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8">https://www.yahoo.com/now/awp-safety-20-20-creating-124600818.html</ref> Some AFADs are |
Modern AFADs allow operators to use a tablet to monitor and control traffic.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8">https://www.yahoo.com/now/awp-safety-20-20-creating-124600818.html</ref> Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger by [https://site2020.com/ Site 20/20], are integrated with Google/Waze technology, which allows drivers to access real-time traffic data and plan dynamic diversion routes. By analyzing traffic patterns, AFADs can intelligently redirect a portion of traffic, reducing congestion and enhancing safety within the construction zone.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com/news/more-automated-flagger-assistance-devices-coming-to-b-c-highways/ | title=More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. Highways | date=15 March 2023 }}</ref> AFADs like the Guardian SmartFlagger can help increase the safety of construction workers, reduce labor costs, increase operational efficiency and driver compliance, while working with an independent network and connecting to Waze and Google. |
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As AFADs continue to evolve and gain wider acceptance, they are likely to become an integral part of construction industry practices, helping to create safer work environments for construction personnel and smoother traffic flow for motorists in construction zones.<ref name=":3" /> |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:Safety equipment]] |
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[[Category:Traffic signals]] |
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Latest revision as of 13:30, 5 February 2024
Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) is a specialized piece of safety equipment used in the traffic control industry on roadway work zones.[1][2][3] AFADs were designed as an innovative solution to the dangers of traditional traffic control, aiming to increase the safely and efficiency of work zones.[4][2] AFADs operate daily, short-term lane closure work zones and can work on a variety of job types including stationary jobs, intersections, mobile utility jobs, road construction jobs, among others.[1][5] The Guardian SmartFlagger specifically, has been designed to work on 99% of jobsites with its compact design, 60 hour battery life, and 80 hours of recording. AFADs are intended to allow a single worker to control the job site off the road and out of direct traffic flow.[6][1][7] However, it is important to note that AFADs are not a replacement for traditional traffic control flaggers. Due to widespread regulations against fully automated traffic control, AFADs must be used in conjunction with human flaggers to ensure safe and effective traffic management.[1][5] Improvements in AFAD technology has led to increased popularity in recent years.[8]
History[edit]
AFADs were first introduced in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about the safety of flaggers in roadwork zones.[9] The initial models of AFADs were unreliable and prone to malfunctions, and were considered too bulky and difficult to maneuver, requiring multiple people and creating safety hazards on job sites. This led to criticism from some within the traffic control industry.[2] However, the technology has improved over the years, and newer models are designed to be smaller, lighter, safer, and more efficient.[8][3][1]
Design[edit]
AFADs usually consist of high visibility signage, 12 inch red signal heads, automated flags, and a remote control.[2][10] Due to their usage on daily, short-term lane closure job sites, AFADs have to be compact and portable.[11] While traditional AFADs are equipped with high visibility signage, 12-inch red signal heads, an automated gate arm, and a remote control,[12] newer AFAD technologies, also come equipped with 360 degree cameras and a tablet interface.[2][13]
Safety considerations[edit]
In 2020, work zone fatalities hit a 16-year high in the United States, with an estimated 102,000 work zone crashes resulting in over 45,000 injuries and 857 fatalities, representing a 45% increase in work zone fatalities between 2013 and 2020.[14] Economic costs of work zone crashes have been estimated at over $17.5 billion annually.[15] These statistics make safety in the traffic control industry of paramount importance.[14][1] The AFAD has revolutionized traffic control safety by allowing the traffic control person to work outside of the direct flow of traffic.[1][3][6] This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to both workers and drivers.[1] An AFAD's high-visibility signage and red signal head is visible from a distance, ensuring that drivers are aware of the work zone and can slow down accordingly.[3] The automated gate arm also provides an additional safety feature by stopping traffic in one direction while allowing traffic in the other direction to proceed.[1][5] Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger, are integrated with Google and Waze to drive traffic away from the worksite while the detachable Gate Arm in equipped with a 115
A 2018 study at the University of Missouri-Columbia concluded that the use of AFADs could significantly improve work zone safety.[4] A study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation concluded that AFADs may enhance safety over the human flagger based on a reduced vehicle approach speed, farther full stop location, and lower intrusion rate.[3] The same study concluded that the public had a favorable impression of the AFAD and generally preferred it over the human flagger.[3]
Development[edit]
Modern AFADs allow operators to use a tablet to monitor and control traffic.[4][16] Some AFADs, such as the Guardian SmartFlagger by Site 20/20, are integrated with Google/Waze technology, which allows drivers to access real-time traffic data and plan dynamic diversion routes. By analyzing traffic patterns, AFADs can intelligently redirect a portion of traffic, reducing congestion and enhancing safety within the construction zone.[16][17] AFADs like the Guardian SmartFlagger can help increase the safety of construction workers, reduce labor costs, increase operational efficiency and driver compliance, while working with an independent network and connecting to Waze and Google.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Guidance On The Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). July 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "AFADs: What is an Automated Flagging Assistance Device - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-07-13. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b c d e f Brown, Henry (February 2018). "Evaluation of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). p. 71. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ a b c "Why Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD) are Here to Stay | TranBC". Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b c "FHWA - MUTCD - 2003 Edition Revision 1 AFAD Technical Provisions Revised 1/27/2005". mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ a b "Optimizing Performance Mobility & Safety—Making Work Zones Work Better: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices - FHWA Office of Operations". ops.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Virginia Work Area Protection Manual" (PDF). www.vdot.virginia.gov. 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ a b "More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. highways - Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal". www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com. 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ Pratt, Stephanie (April 2001). "Building Safer Highway Work Zones" (PDF). National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Devices" (PDF). Federal Highway Administration, US Department Transportation. Fall 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- ^ Government of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development. "Government of Ontario, Canada". www.ontariocanada.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ "Comment & responses Automated Flagger Assistance Device" (PDF). Ontario Government. 10 December 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 December 2022.
- ^ "Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) - Site 20/20". site2020.com. 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ a b "Work Zone Crashes, Injuries, & Fatalities - Facts & Data | Work Zone Barriers Guide". www.workzonebarriers.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
- ^ Saha, Promothes (2020-08-31). "An Optimization Methodology to Improve Work Zone Safety within a Limited Budget in a Roadway Network". International Conference on Transportation and Development 2020. Seattle, Washington (Conference Cancelled): American Society of Civil Engineers. pp. 204–211. doi:10.1061/9780784483145.018. ISBN 978-0-7844-8314-5. S2CID 225342323.
- ^ a b https://www.yahoo.com/now/awp-safety-20-20-creating-124600818.html
- ^ "More automated flagger assistance devices coming to B.C. Highways". 15 March 2023.